Oscillatory chest compression device

Abstract

An oscillatory chest compression device includes an oscillatory air flow generator and a positive air flow generator. A first feedback system controls the oscillation rate of the oscillatory air flow generator, and a second feedback system controls the peak pressure created by the positive air flow generator.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus for generating oscillatory air pulses in a bladder positioned about a person, comprising: an oscillatory air flow generator, comprising an air chamber;   a reciprocating diaphragm operably connected with the air chamber,   a rod having a first end and a second end, the first end operably connected with the diaphragm, and the rod extending generally orthogonal to the diaphragm;   a crankshaft operably connected with the second end of the rod and extending generally orthogonal to the rod; and   a first motor operably connected with the crankshaft;     a continuous air flow generator operably connected with the oscillatory air flow generator;   a first feedback and control means operably connected with the oscillatory air flow generator for maintaining the frequency of the oscillatory air flow generator at a predetermined value;   and a second feedback and control means operably connected with the continuous air flow generator for continuously varying the output pressure of the continuous air flow generator in order to maintain the peak pressure generated by the positive air flow generator at a predetermined value.   
     
     
       2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for connecting the oscillatory air flow generator with a bladder. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first feedback and control means comprises: means for detecting the oscillation rate in the air chamber;   means for comparing the oscillation rate with the predetermined value; and   means for adjusting the oscillatory air flow generator so that the detected oscillation rate approximately equals the predetermined value.   
     
     
       4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a frequency selector, allowing a user to select the predetermined frequency. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the continuous air flow generator comprises a blower, and a second motor operably connected with the blower. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising means connected to the second motor for preventing the second motor from operating the blower above a predetermined pressure. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the means for preventing comprises a fuse. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second feedback and control means comprises: means for detecting the peak pressure in the air chamber;   means for comparing the detected peak pressure with the predetermined value; and   means for adjusting the continuous air flow generator so that the detected peak pressure equals the predetermined value.   
     
     
       9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a pressure selector, allowing a user to select the predetermined peak pressure. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a remote start/stop control operably connected with the first and second feedback and control means. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprises a timer operably connected with the remote start/stop control. 
     
     
       12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a seal extending from an outer periphery of the diaphragm to a wall of the air chamber, the seal comprising first and second generally opposed disks defining an annular region for receiving air, and a pump operably connected with the annular region, the pump maintaining the air pressure in the annular region greater than the peak pressure generated in the air chamber.